SWFL women’s top 20 of 2020

It was another unforgettable season for the SWFL women’s competition, with a number of quality players showcasing the full range of their talents. Over the next two editions, Justin Fris selects his top 20 players from 2020. 20. Amber Boyd (South Bunbury) Games in 2020: Nine. Goals in 2020: Eight. Total games: 43. Analysis: It was another solid campaign from Boyd, who provided excellent service in the forward line for the Tigers alongside Bethany Bond and Claudia Elward. A excellent focal point in attack, Boyd never shies away from a contest. Did not miss a game in 2020, and contributed well in the grand final win over Busselton.’ 19. Courtney Bayliss (Bunbury) Games in 2020: Six. Goals in 2020: Six. Total SWFL women’s games: 21 (includes 15 with the Harvey Bulls) Analysis: Bulldogs coach Glenn Obal centred a lot of his attacking plans around Bayliss, who worked exceptionally hard in the teeth of goal, even if she was beaten in a marking contest. A smart footballer, Bayliss regularly commanded the attention of some of competition’s best defenders, which freed up other teammates to do some damage on the scoreboard. 18. Brittany Gliddon (Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault) Games in 2020: Seven. Goals in 2020: Three. Total games: 46. Analysis: It was a different season for Gliddon, who took on more of a coaching role this season, due to the Lions losing a number of key players during the off-season. Although her side struggled to hit the scoreboard, the Lions leader always gave a good account of herself, regardless of the result. 17. Megan Bain (South Bunbury) Games in 2020: Nine. Goals in 2020: Three. Total games: 16. Analysis: On grand final day, Bain was unlucky not to have won the Optus Medal for being best on ground against Busselton, such was the nature of her performance. A rising youngster at Tigerland, Bain is highly regarded by coach Maxwell Jetta and will no doubt feature higher up this list in future seasons, should she continue to exhibit her quality brand of football. 16. Emma Borinelli (Busselton) Games in 2020: 10. Goals in 2020: One. Total games: 20. Analysis: Many players stepped up during the Magpies’ finals campaign, however Borinelli was a clear stand out. One thing that stood out about her in the grand final against South Bunbury was her willingness to do the little things for her team, irrespective of personal gain. This alone is an indicator on why she is destined for great things moving forward. 15. Jonelle Blackford (Harvey Bulls) Games in 2020: Nine. Goals in 2020: Eight. Total games: 32 (includes 23 with the Collie Eagles). Analysis: After the Collie Eagles were unable to field a team this season, Blackford elected to play on a permit with the Harvey Bulls, alongside a number of her Eagles teammates. The result was a win for both parties. Blackford provided excellent grunt in the forward line and helped the Bulls reach the finals. On her day, she is one of the best forwards in the competition. 14. Rennie Meadmore (Busselton) Games in 2020: 10. Goals in 2020: Four. Total games: 37. Analysis: Some people believe you cannot have mashed potatoes without gravy — while others believe you cannot have a Magpies women’s team without Rennie Meadmore. A classy player who provides a supporting ear to all of her teammates, Meadmore again led by example this season. 13. Chloe Pumphrey (Carey Park) Games in 2020: Seven. Goals in 2020: Two. Total games: 18. Analysis: Although it was a very challenging year for the winless Panthers, they appear to be on a winner with Pumphrey, should she choose to stick with football. In two seasons, Pumphrey has been a consistent player with a positive attitude. She was also crowned winner of the 2020 Optus women’s under-21 rising star award. 12. Beth Beckett (Busselton) Games in 2020: 10. Goals in 2020: Six. Total games: 20. Analysis: Beckett took her game to the next level this season as she led her beloved Magpies to the grand final. Affectionately referred to as “our little bulldog” by skipper Rennie Meadmore, Beckett’s stock is likely to rise again in 2021, given how skilful she is under pressure. 11. Ruby Mahony (Bunbury) Games in 2020: Eight. Goals in 2020: Nil. Total games: 42. Analysis: Given she is arguably the fittest player in the league, there is little surprise that Mahony gets so much of the football. Her gut-running gave plenty of bite for Glenn Obal’s midfield and her foot skills in traffic improved as the season wore on. 10. Kiarni Stevens (South Bunbury) Games in 2020: Eight. Goals in 2020: One. Total games: 40. Analysis: Stevens is a player who always gives 100 per cent in everything she does on the football field. An incredibly brave lockdown defender, her firm but fair style of play has won many hearts at Hands Oval during her career. Should be considered as one of the best players in the competition, given the roles she undertakes.